According
to the UN Group of Experts on Congo, ninety eight percent of
artisanally mined gold—estimated at a value of between $383 and $409
million in 2013—is smuggled out of the country annually, and much of that gold benefits armed groups, corrupt Congolese army commanders, and neighboring countries such as Uganda.

Jewelry is the largest end-use of gold, making up around 45 percent of worldwide gold demand. Jewelry retailers have the ability to increase demand for conflict-free gold from Congo and the region.